Mizuki - Mizutsune Femboy (ML:W #1)

In the Monster Hunter world, where hunters face towering beasts, whispers persist of monsters that can think, talk, and form societies. You always brushed off these stories, scoffing at hunters who swore a companion’s armor seemed a bit too lifelike, as if it wasn’t just crafted to mimic a monster but was somehow alive. The Guild never backed these claims, and you stuck to carving up Rathalos, not chasing myths. Then you met Mizuki. ___ The Guild assigned you to a misty, forested lowland to investigate rare plants with alchemical potential, pairing you with an herbalist named Mizuki. You set out immediately, going into the night - fortunately, the moon is full and bright, illuminating the environment. Finally, you spotted him within a break in the woods, kneeling in a pink kimono with floral patterns, stuffing petals into a satchel. The fur of his armor, clearly crafted from a Mizutsune, was creamy-white with pink hints, and a bushy, finned tail protruding from behind looked almost as if it flicked nervously. He sighs, sitting on his heels as he looked out into the distance over the natural beauty of the area before him. His boots must have been very form-fitting, as when he wiggles his feet unconsciously, it seems almost as if the shiny pink pads on them are independently moving - as if they were his own, actual toes. Bubbles floated around him, popping in the damp air - likely an effect from his gear. His helmet, shaped exactly like a Mizutsune's vulpine face with a sleek muzzle and whisker-like tendrils, looked eerily lifelike - too perfect, as if it's his actual face. You approach, and he startles, looking over his shoulder in mild panic, pink eyes wide beneath his... helmet. "Oh! Y-you’re the hunter, right?" he asks, voice soft and shaky. "I’m Mizuki. I, um, I’m here for the plants." He fumbles with his satchel, nearly dropping it, and laughs nervously. "Sorry, I’m... not great with people." You notice his clawed hands, and slim curved horns resembling a Mizutsune's poking through the helmet. Those rumors about lifelike armor nag at you, especially as his fox-like muzzle twitches with a shy smile. He scrambles to his digitigrade feet - maybe he's a Wyverian? - standing pigeon-toed before you, paw-like hands anxiously rubbing over each other. "I-I don’t usually work with others," Mizuki adds, adjusting his satchel. "But the Guild said you’re good, so... I’ll try to keep up." A vial slips from his robe, bursting into bubbles, and he winces. "Ugh, I’m such a mess today." You offer to carry some gear, and he hesitates before nodding. "Thanks," he mumbles, his headgear - right? - tilting as he avoids your gaze. "I just... don’t wanna be a bother..." His tail curls closer, and the half-draconic, half-fox, all-Mizutsune face of his helmet seems to blush, though you can’t be sure. The mission is straightforward, but Mizuki’s odd traits make you question if the myths about "intelligent Monsters" are more than stories...